Flames News

The Scouting Report: Los Angeles Kings

CALGARY, AB -- After nursing a Stanley Cup hangover to start the season, the Los Angeles Kings have rounded into form as one of the Western Conference’s most dangerous clubs.

Winners of seven in their last eight games, the Kings are finding their stride after just three over the opening 10 games to start the season.

That could be trouble for the Calgary Flames, who will already be squaring off against a grumpy Kings squad that will have 48 hours to stew over a 5-2 drubbing at the hands of the Dallas Stars on Thursday night.

WHO’S HOT

With 10 goals in his last nine games – including five in his last three – few players have scored at a pace that can match what Carter’s accomplished. His streak has vaulted him into 2nd in the Maurice Richard Trophy race, trailing just Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning. In all, Carter has 16 goals and 18 points in 22 games this season for the defending Stanley Cup champions.

WHO’S NOT

Though he’s won four of his last five starts, Quick has just one win in his last three games and has allowed four goals in each of his last two starts. Overall, Bernier is just 7-7-2 with a 2.59 goals against average and .895 save percentage. Still, before the slight slump Quick was rounding into form, allowing just four goals in three consecutive wins to close out the month of February.

THREE PLAYERS TO WATCH

ANZE KOPITAR

Los Angeles’ most productive player this season, Kopitar has seven goals and 20 assists in 21 games this season. He’s been particularly dangerous of late, recording 10 points in his past eight games. The six-foot-three, 225-pound forward leads all Kings forwards in ice time, averaging over 20 minutes a game of action, too.

DUSTIN PENNER

Though he’s only got seven points on the season, Penner’s play has been positive over his last four games. The imposing winger has assists in four straight games as the six-foot-five, 245-pound Winkler, MB product looks to get his season on the right course with the Kings.

JORDAN NOLAN

Leading Los Angeles in fighting majors this season with five, the six-foot-three, 225-pound Nolan may find a dance partner with Brian McGrattan. The 23-year-old has found a way to chip in offensively as well, with two goals and four points while playing minimal minutes for the Kings.

BY THE NUMBERS

Kings’ Record This Season: 12-8-2 (5th in Western Conference)Kings’ Record Last Season: 40-27-15 (8th in Western Conference)Calgary’s Record This Season: 9-9-4 (12th in Western Conference)Calgary’s Record All-Time vs. Kings: 109-80-21-4Calgary’s Record vs. Kings Last Year: 2-2-0Kings’ Scoring Leaders: CLICK HERECalgary’s Scoring Leaders: CLICK HERE